Taylor Swift revealed in her new Disney+ docuseries that she felt embarrassed for crying on stage during her Eras Tour stop in Toronto, attributing her emotional breakdown to a backup singer’s speech about loss. The episode, released on December 23, 2025, shows Swift struggling with tears after performing ‘Marjorie,’ a song dedicated to her late grandmother, and later admitting she ‘felt like a dumbass’ for the public display of emotion.
During the November 2024 concert in Toronto, Swift was overcome with emotion following the performance of ‘Marjorie,’ pausing her speech to the crowd as tears streamed down her face. She told the audience she was ‘just having a bit of a moment’ before walking off stage, visibly moved by the experience. This raw moment was captured in the docuseries ‘Taylor Swift: The End of an Era,’ which chronicles the final leg of her record-breaking tour.
In the car after the show, Swift confessed to her brother Austin that she felt foolish for crying, saying, ‘I couldn’t put words together, Austin, it was kind of embarrassing.’ Austin reassured her that it was ‘the best part,’ but Swift remained self-conscious about the incident. Her honesty about the embarrassment highlights the vulnerability she felt despite being a global superstar accustomed to performing in front of thousands.
The emotional trigger for Swift’s tears was a pre-show speech by her longtime backup singer Kamilah Marshall, who spoke about the recent death of her mother and her heartbreak that her mom never got to see the Eras Tour. Swift explained that Marshall’s words resonated deeply, making her reflect on her own family’s presence throughout the tour. ‘I was just thinking about it all night,’ Swift said, noting that she and Marshall often made eye contact during ‘Marjorie’ because of the shared connection to loss.
This reflection led Swift to feel immense gratitude that her parents, Andrea and Scott Swift, were able to witness the tour, along with her partner Travis Kelce. ‘The fact that Mom did get to see it and Travis got to see it and Dad got to see it, and I just felt so lucky,’ she told her brother. This perspective shift ‘cracked me wide open,’ Swift admitted, emphasizing how the support of loved ones amplified the emotional weight of the tour’s conclusion.
The song ‘Marjorie’ holds special significance for Swift, as it honors her maternal grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, an opera singer who died in 2003. In the docuseries, Swift’s mother Andrea discusses how her own mother’s career prepared her for Taylor’s fame, adding layers to the emotional narrative. The performance of this song nightly on the Eras Tour became a poignant tribute, with fans often holding up their phones in a gesture of reverence during the number.
Swift’s emotional outburst is part of a broader theme in the docuseries, which explores the highs and lows of the Eras Tour, including other personal challenges she faced. The series aims to provide an intimate look at the superstar’s life behind the scenes, showcasing her resilience and humanity amidst the spectacle. By sharing such vulnerable moments, Swift connects with her audience on a deeper level, reinforcing the authenticity that has endeared her to millions worldwide.
With all six episodes of ‘The End of an Era’ now available on Disney+, fans can delve into the emotional journey of Swift’s landmark tour. This revelation not only underscores the personal costs of her monumental success but also highlights the universal themes of family, loss, and gratitude that resonate beyond the concert stage. As Swift moves forward from the Eras Tour, these moments serve as a testament to the profound impact of her art and the connections it fosters.
